PrivateFly, the online booking service for private jets, has announced two new board appointments, to support its next phase of expansion in Europe and the USA.

George Rolls joins as executive chairman, helping to steer PrivateFly in its next phase. He previously spent five years with private jet operators Hangar 8 plc and Gama Aviation plc. As Senior Independent Non-Executive Director, he advised on Hangar 8’s listing on AIM, introducing both the acquisition of International JetClub (IJC) and the subsequent reverse takeover of Gama Aviation. He replaces previous chairman Richard Carrick.

Also joining as a non-executive director is Martin George, whose current and previous career includes board level roles with British Airways, Visit Britain and Thornton’s.

PrivateFly, a technology platform linking customers with a global network of over 7,000 private charter aircraft, has seen significant sales growth in Europe and the USA in recent years. It was named the UK’s fourth fastest-growing SME for international sales, in The Sunday Times Heathrow SME Export Track 100, published in May 2016.

Adam Twidell, CEO and co-founder of PrivateFly, commented: “We are delighted to welcome George Rolls and Martin George to the PrivateFly board. George’s profile, contacts and extensive understanding of our industry, combined with his M&A experience, make him perfectly-placed to guide PrivateFly during this critical expansion phase. Martin George brings a depth of commercial and marketing experience, which will prove invaluable as we accelerate our growth strategy and technology offering.”

George Rolls added: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining the board at this exciting time for the business. We have recently opened operations in the US in Fort Lauderdale and have a well-developed expansion plan in place for future development. I look forward to working with my new colleagues to deliver continued success for PrivateFly.”

PrivateFly was launched in 2008 by co-founders and husband-and-wife team Adam Twidell and Carol Cork, who sold their house for initial seed funding and went on to raise £2M in investment fundraising, in September 2011.

Twidell continues: “Our tech-based offering has proved a successful fit with existing customers turning from slower-paced legacy charter and ownership models, and also with today’s cost-conscious private jet customer. The opportunity for further growth is significant, both in Europe and in the USA. Others have entered the market, but PrivateFly continues to lead the field, proving to be a successful, scalable and sustainable model, with a fast-growing, global customer base.”